Major Charlotte ad agency laying off 14% of its workers, citing ‘market uncertainty’

Wray Ward, one of Charlotte’s largest marketing firms, is laying off more people, this time in the midst of the holiday season.

In total this year, the advertising agency has cut 25% of its workforce.

“Like many marketing agencies, we’re seeing marketing budget cuts in response to market uncertainty,” Wray Ward spokeswoman Heather Tamol told The Charlotte Observer on Tuesday. “Unfortunately, Wray Ward was forced to make staff reductions yesterday.”

The latest job cuts impact about 14% of workers across service areas, Tamol said. She declined to provide specific numbers of jobs cut or their roles with the company.

Wray Ward had about 155 employees, so more than 20 workers were laid off this week.

“We’re committed to helping them find new opportunities,” Tamol said.

It’s the second round of layoffs this year for the 45-year-old ad firm.

In the spring, Wray Ward cut 11% of its workforce, or 20 jobs, citing the economic environment, Charlotte Business Journal reported. At the time, Wray Ward had about 175 employees, according to the company’s website.

Charlotte marketing agency Wray Ward makes second round of job cuts this year citing marketing uncertainty. The ad firm’s headquarters is in the rehabilitated 1950s-era industrial building on Thrift Road.
Charlotte marketing agency Wray Ward makes second round of job cuts this year citing marketing uncertainty. The ad firm’s headquarters is in the rehabilitated 1950s-era industrial building on Thrift Road.

About Wray Ward

Wray Ward moved its headquarters office to a renovated 1950s-era industrial building on Thrift Road in west Charlotte in September 2020 amid the COVID pandemic.

Wray Ward’s clients include La-Z-Boy furniture, Levolor blinds and Moen faucets, according to the company website.

On the site, the company describes itself as “specialists in positioning and building brands that elevate the style, comfort and function of homes and buildings. And we have a deep knowledge of the destinations and hospitality industry.

...”You’ll hear us say it again and again: our people are our greatest asset.”